The Revolutionary War and Filling an Army

The Revolutionary War in Broad Strokes

• british were stronger, but their power had limits:
  • army too big to be defeated outright
  • too small to suppress rebellion everywhere
  • lukewarm public support in britain
  • french entry in 1778 (after battle of Saratoga) tied up resources elsewhere
• british controlled large cities for much of the war
  • new york, boston, charles town
  • but, 90% of colonists were rural
• patriot power strong in the countryside
• two broad types of violence:
  • formal campaigns between british and continental regular armies
  • continentals fought war of attrition to wear down british
  • localized partisan civil war and insurgency

Filling the Ranks of a “Respectable Army”

• high militia turnout faded fast
  • militia remained important in some places, especially southern and western guerilla warfares
• winning required a professional army
  • colonists mistrusted professional militaries
  • few willing to enlist long term
  • most continental regulars were poor/marginal
  • immigrants, unemployed, etc.
  • drafts/ conscription in some places
  • wealthy colonists hired substitutes
  • continental army later joined the british in recruiting black americans

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